Careers to Enter Right Now

Get back to work faster by knowing where jobs are in high demand

If you've been out of the workforce for a couple years, getting back into the swing of things can be tricky. With the economy still in recovery mode, the job search is not only competitive, but extremely stressful. However, there are some fields that offer more promise than others and focusing on those offers you a better chance of landing a steady career the second go-around. Learn a little about why the three listed below each has the potential to be a great profession and find sites to help you get started with your job hunt.

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Health Care
A recent survey by Manpower, an employment services firm, found that nurses, technicians and doctors make up three of the top 10 U.S. jobs in demand this year (the others: skilled tradespeople, sales reps, drivers, restaurant and hotel staff, managers, engineers and customer service reps). And the U.S. Department of Labor reports that the home health aide field, which requires only short-term training, will grow 50 percent by 2018. For more information, read the Health Care Careers Directory at ama-assn.org.

Environment
Concerns about global warming have led to demand for better use of renewable energy, explains John Challenger, CEO of outplacement consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas in Chicago. Between January and March 2010, 83,000 clean energy jobs—from farmers to administrative assistants—were created, reports the Council of Economic Advisers. That number is expected to grow, says Challenger. Check out the primer on eco-friendly jobs at nrdc.org/energy/greenjobs.

Startup Companies
Last year, 69 percent more job seekers than the previous year opted to start their own firms instead of pounding the pavement for a new position, according to a Challenger, Gray & Christmas study. Which means those fledgling firms will likely be looking for staff (you). Start your search at jobnob.com, which lists networking happy hours and video job fairs, and connects you with startups that offer both salaries and alternative compensation—often a mix of equity and cash.